The Wilmingtonian., 1887-02-19
The Rhine BORDER.

If anything additional were needed to con-
vince a doubling mind as to the immnence
Of European war no stronger argument |
could be adduced then the significant words |
of Prince Hohenlohe, the German governor |
of Alsxce- Lorraine at banquet given in |
Strssbury last week. The German officials
exact words are well worthy Of exact quo
tation as they furnish opportunity for origi-
nal opinion upon what seems to be SO immi-
nent. (The Province of Prince Hoheulohe
refers to is, of course, Alsace-L Lorraine, the
disputed territory, which France is 30 anx-
ious to win back as an integral part OF the
French domain. He said =
The more my feelings of attachment to
this province grow In strength the mors ar
dent becomes nay wish that God may pre-
serve it from the terrors Of bloody war. II
to day utter this fsteful word it ia not be-
cause regard war as near at hand. But on
this point let us not give way to any Illusion
Danger of war exists now and will exist as
long as our Western neighbors cannot accus-
tom their ideas to the state of things created
by the treaty Of Frankfort. A permanent
less minority succeeds in dragging the peace
ful and industrious people Of France into
-
the lists with the whole energy and power
of the Empire, Therefore avery public man
Hesitation on this side of the Vosges, especi-
ally the coming election, increases the im-
portance Df giving Alsace a chance 10 give
evidence of its specific sentiments. Nothing
would be more calculated to kindle the de-
sire of the French than the election of men
sharing doubts as to the duration of our re-
tention Of the province, or of men declining
to grant the Empire means for the perma.
Hent maintenance of strong army"
In addition to the above Austria seems to
be forming line to resist an expected Rus
sian attack. The most prominent journal
OF the Hungarian capital urges Austria to
initiate the ooutlict into Russia before the
later has completed her preparations upon
the Danube. The journal referred to says
war is inevitable and it is better to begin
lighting before the Balkan States have been
Russisni2ed Austria would thus secure an
alliance with Servia and Bulgaria, giving
her 100, 900 additional troops.
Along the Alsace Lorraine and French
border line the German government Is close
ly watching to prevent disturbances which
might be construed as cdsus belli. At the
same time the German army officials are
closely scrutinizing for deserters from their
regiments whom it is stated now that war
appears imminent are running off in large
numbers into French territory,
One fact is patent however, and that ia
that the Germans appear more unwilling than
the French to commence the war. The for
mer are undoubtedly thoroughly prepared
for the emergency but it is apparent that
the German government for some reason OIL
other Is less willing than that OF France to
initiate any movement. The French have
already concentrated according to state.
ment made in the Prussian Oberhans, SOC, O0C
soldiers along line contermiuous with the
Franco-Prnssian border line. It is added by
crease that number in three weeks to more
than a million soldiers. The news comes
from different directions that the latter coun-
try is Withdrawing her garrisons where reg
ular soldiers are stationed in any of the dis
tEnt colonies such as Agiers, All officer.
below certain grade have peremptory or.
ders to report at regimental headquarters
The Tuycos and Algerine regiments are qui.
stly withdrawing to Toulon aud concentra.
ting in North Eastern France ready to act
ments towards the Rhine. Special attention
has been paid amgng the French infantry tC
Typographical education and it ia claimed
that the wonderful knowledge betrayed by
the German officers in regard to the topo
graphy of France during the late Franco
Prussiau war will be probably eclipsed by
the thoroughpess of information to be ex
hibited by French officers and men in regarC
TO Prussiau territory in the coming cam
pAisn.